Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Victims of Domestic Violence: Court Proceedings

Tuesday 26 March 2024 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 includes protections for victims through the justice system, such as up-front legal aid and prohibitions on cross-examination by perpetrators.
  • A harms panel pilot program in Dorset and north W aims to reduce trauma by using less adversarial methods to resolve domestic abuse allegations early.
  • A pilot program will introduce domestic abuse protection orders, allowing police or victims to seek court-ordered protections against perpetrators, set to launch next month.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Duncan Baker
Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from ongoing concerns about the court system's handling of domestic violence cases, with specific mention of insufficient mediation and trauma for victims.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that victims of domestic violence are protected throughout court proceedings?

Answer from Laura Farris

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 was transformative with protections for domestic abuse victims through the justice system, including up-front legal aid for protective orders and prohibitions on cross-examination by perpetrators. The Ministry of Justice is conducting a pilot program in Dorset and north Wales to prevent cases from going straight to trial without mediation.

Answered
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Q2 Duncan Baker
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

The question stems from cases where family issues proceed to trial without mediation, causing additional trauma for all involved.

Question

Can the Minister assure me that we will always place the victim at the forefront of court proceedings in these circumstances?

Answer from Laura Farris

A harms panel commissioned by the Ministry conducted a pilot program focusing on less adversarial methods to resolve domestic abuse allegations early, reducing trauma. The successful model will be rolled out nationally starting next month in south-east Wales and Birmingham.

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Q3 Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham
Justice & Courts
Context

In 2023, there were 67,938 reported rapes with only 2,008 convictions. Victims often face lengthy waits and use of counselling notes which discourages participation.

Question

What will the Minister do to ensure that victims and survivors are supported throughout the court process?

Answer from Laura Farris

Operation Soteria has improved rape prosecutions; independent sexual violence advisers provide continuous support from police involvement to trial conclusion. This system helps prevent victims from withdrawing their cases due to lack of support, as seen in recent improvements in case handling and prosecution numbers.

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Q4 Dean Russell
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The question is prompted by the need to ensure comprehensive support for victims of domestic abuse throughout all legal proceedings.

Question

What work is happening to ensure that victims of domestic abuse are supported throughout the entire process?

Answer from Laura Farris

Independent domestic violence advisers help victims every step of the way. A pilot program launching next month will introduce domestic abuse protection orders allowing police or victims to seek court-ordered protections against perpetrators.

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Q5 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Justice & Courts
Context

The question is prompted by Scotland's initiative providing free court transcripts to victims of serious crimes, while the UK Government offers only a limited one-year pilot scheme.

Question

Will the Justice Secretary meet Juliana and me to discuss matching the Scottish scheme which provides free access to court transcripts?

Answer from Laura Farris

A Courts Minister has committed to meet to discuss the matter. A pilot program will provide free sentencing remarks in serious crime cases, addressing the high costs previously faced by victims for full trial transcripts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for a meeting with Juliana and the MP was acknowledged but not concretely committed to beyond 'discussing the matter'.

How: Under Review

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